Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Traffic Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
San Francisco supervisors declare pedestrian, cyclist fatalities an emergency and call for accelerated action
Summary
The Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution declaring a local emergency over rising pedestrian and bicycle fatalities and urged immediate policy and enforcement steps, including expanded cameras, lower speed limits and increased enforcement by city agencies.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution Tuesday declaring a state of emergency regarding pedestrian and cyclist fatalities and directing city leaders to pursue more urgent actions to prevent further deaths.
The resolution, introduced by Supervisor Haney and supported on the floor by Board President Norman Yee, cites a sharp rise in severe injuries and fatalities this year and asks city agencies to pursue measures such as doubling red-light cameras, expanding enforcement by SFMTA parking control officers, exploring targeted speed limit reductions and pursuing further pedestrianization of streets.
“These are not accidents. They are preventable. This is an emergency, and I will be voting in support of this legislation,” President Yee said during debate, describing recent deaths of residents — including a middle school student — and the disproportionate impact on pedestrians and older residents.
Haney said the resolution compels immediate, tangible steps and continued board oversight, and thanked community partners and advocates who contributed to the proposal. “This resolution really calls for more urgent, immediate emergency actions that can take place to prevent traffic fatalities,” Haney said, and listed possible actions the board expects partner agencies to pursue.
Several supervisors asked to be added as co-sponsors during the discussion; the measure drew broad, bipartisan support on the dais. The board adopted the resolution without objection.
The resolution specifically asks the Municipal Transportation Agency, the Mayor’s Office and other departments to identify and implement near-term interventions, and it emphasizes accountability from city agencies to follow through on the steps listed in the measure.
The board did not adopt detailed funding allocations in the session; the resolution is framed as a directive and a public call to action for city agencies and partners to accelerate implementation.
The board vote was recorded as unanimous for adoption.
